THINKING LIKE A MARTIAL ARTIST SMaster Guy E. Larke

"THINKING LIKE A MARTIAL ARTIST"

by Master Guy Edward Larke

When I had considered this subject, it seemed, on the surface anyways, to be easy and fairly straight forward. Regardless of ethnicity, style, or region, most exponents of fighting disciplines know about the mindbody-spirit connection, the ideals of turning the other cheek, and protecting oneself and one’s loved ones. Over the last four decades, I have trained with masters of Japanese, Chinese, Korean, American, Filipino and Malaysian martial arts. At their most basic levels they share many of the same core beliefs. However, I believe, especially in the Information Age, many of these become just lipservice. Some of us have discarded the old ways in favor, not of modern sensibilities, but rather laxed attitudes on the world around us. So, the problem lies with what ideals do we embrace and which do we eschew in favor of others? Here are a thought to ponder… First of all, we need to be disciplined. We as a global culture use this word far too easily. To be truly disciplined, you have, and are still willing to endure hardship for the future or for others. In Mark Saltzman’s’ book and movie “Iron and Silk”, his sifu, Pan Qing-Fu, asked if the author was able to “eat bitter”. It wasn’t until Mark endured various hardships and learned to quietly face them. It was at the end of his book he stated that “eating bitter meant tasting sweet.” Perseverance is paramount in this case, as is patience. Secondly, we must exercise selfcontrol as much as possible. This is closely related to discipline. There are so many vices and temptations that it is hard to stay not stray into over indulgence or give into the myriad of destructive habits that bombard us on a daily basis. Types of addictions seem to increase almost yearly. We owe it to ourselves and those who depend or look up to us to be in control. We who depend or look up to us to be in control. We don’t need to be Shaolin monks, but common sense is usually a good tool to determine to keep from over indulging in certain pleasures and abstaining from destructive ones. Respect is also crucial. As it has been stated time and time again, you must respect yourself before you can ever hope to deal with others properly. Next, we need to open our minds to respect not just our loved ones and role models (easy to do), but to outside individuals regardless of style (if a martial artist), race, sex, or religion. We are in the 21st century. It is time people adapt to the global community. Perhaps we as martial arts professionals, can contribute as demonstrating more open-minded values, especially where young people are watching. Integrity is one of those words that the Western throws around too freely. As legendary singer-song writer Billy Joel said, “Honesty is hardly ever heard.” Many mental health professionals have said, people’s paradigm of the world can be formed by interactions with others growing up. One of many things that can jade a person is being let down by others or being lied to. Most of us likely have vivid memories of authority figures who influenced us to become what we are today. That is why we as martial arts professionals have to be careful; we say as we mean and do as we promise. Martial artists have a duty of care to their community. A similar virtue that is also tossed around too freely is honor. There is no need to define the term, as the entertainment industry has done that for us a thousand time over.

Honor can come from a modernday samurai, a monk, a respectable fighter, a simple instructor who ensures those he teaches are raised into respectable members of society. The ironic thing is there has been elite warrior fraternities in almost every civilization throughout the world. One crucial part of their education usually a code of ethics that governed their actions on and off the field of battle. What is ever more interesting is in the similarities in those codes of honor. In the modern age we can choose the values that we hold dear and use them to guide ourselves and others to being better people. Leadership is another concept that is as old as civilization itself. It became redefined in the 1970’s and 1980’s as the paradigm of business had to change and adapt to fit modern day attitudes. Being loud and aggressive while holding a position of power was seen as outdated and ineffectual. The workplace wanted “leaders”, not slave drivers. The same goes for the martial arts industry, The angry or cranky sensei with the supposed heart of gold is reserved for action movies. The late Dr. Stephen Covey created an amazing way of thinking with his “7 Habits” series of books. They were a set of mental laws that focused on the individual, then their outside world. Several years later, he published yet another book entitled “The 8th Habit.” To quote Dr. Covey, we must find our voice and inspire others to find theirs. This is an example of how some modern thinking can positively impact even the most traditional martial artist or school. Lastly, we need to take care of our physical aspects. While we are younger, we can emphasize speed, timing, muscle memory, and explosive power to name a few. It is the time to develop, as it is called in Korean, nae-gong내공. As the cruel hands of time creep up on us all, these fall to the wayside. Suddenly six packs and the ability to do flying scissor kicks become for less important. We still need to train however, but we need to be more sensitive to how we train and what we put into our bodies. We need to keep as fit and healthy as possible to not just be able to perform our arts as long as possible, but to, once again set an example to our students, loved ones and the community to which we live. Perhaps all of this seems a bit much to consider. But I believe a true martial artist can demonstrate these virtues if not more. Really, the individual who can master all these aspects is not just a better martial artist, but a better global citizen. With all the insanity going on in the Master Guy Edward Larke has dedicated his life to the pursuit of the martial arts, Asian culture, and hoplology. It led him to Korea in 2000, and he now lives in Bundang with his wife, Gi-Ryung, and son, Alexander. He holds black belts in several martial arts including Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Taekgyeon, Bon Kuk Kumdo, Karate-do, Teuk Gong Moo Sool and Wushu. Currently, he teaches a number of Korean disciplines and Kisa-Do Muye (his art) in addition to writing for various magazines and running Kisa-Do Muye & Marketing. He can be contacted at kisadomuye@gmail. com.